Protest over proposed changes to taxi industry

Hundreds of people have gathered on the steps of State Parliament to protest against the recommendations of the Victorian taxi inquiry.

The inquiry, run by Professor Allan Fels, has recommended an overhaul of the industry.

The final report is currently being considered by the State Government.

The draft recommendations included a proposal for taxi licences to be rented to drivers at the heavily discounted price of $20,000 each.

The protest was organised by licence operator Taxi Link.

Spokesman Harry Katsiabanis says the recommendation would devalue existing licences, which are worth about $500,000 each.

"Operators, taxi drivers, networks, our membership includes 6,000 which is 60 per cent of the industry, which wants reform but wants systematic reform that won't devastate hard-working Victorians and send them bankrupt," he said.

You have no doubt been hearing a lot about the Paris Agreement and know that it pertains to climate change, but are too embarrassed at this stage to ask for an overall explanation of what it's all about.